A Maidstone man has been charged after allegedly attempting to bite and kick police officers during a tense arrest in the early hours. The incident tested new laws designed to protect emergency workers.
Kent Police responded to a disturbance on Knightrider Street at approximately 3.30am on Sunday, 19 May 2019. During the arrest of Jack Smith, 40, who was suspected of breaching the peace, he reportedly made threats and launched violent attacks against the officers.
Smith was charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 21 June.
The Assaults on Emergency Workers Act 2018, which came into effect in November 2018, introduced tougher penalties for offences against police officers, paramedics, nurses, and other emergency service personnel. This case represents one of the early prosecutions under the new legislation.
Originally published by UKNIP.
